Overview
The Changchun Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 15k finishers each May on an urban road in Changchun, China. Wide streets and a cool-climate spring slot give it a distinctly northern-China feel. The course passes broad northeastern boulevards, parks, and the former auto-capital districts. Broad northeastern boulevards, parks, and former auto-capital districts stretch across a cool-climate spring course with wide streets and minimal climbing.
Changchun Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Changchun Marathon 2027 race day
The next Changchun Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 2 May 2027 with a 8:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Changchun Marathon course route
Starts and finishes in Changchun's urban core. The course passes broad northeastern boulevards, parks, and the former auto-capital districts. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Changchun Marathon elevation profile
The Changchun Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Changchun Marathon uses a lottery or ballot through changchun.marathon.org.cn, with registration windows that typically open several months before the May race. Domestic applicants register via the official marathon.org.cn portal and demand routinely exceeds the mass-participation cap of roughly 15k runners. International runners must monitor the official site for overseas entry channels and health-credential requirements, as places fill quickly once the window opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Changchun Marathon elevation profile?
- The Changchun Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Changchun Marathon?
- The Changchun Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in Changchun's urban core.
- What time does the Changchun Marathon start?
- The 2027 Changchun Marathon starts at 8:00 am local time on Sunday, 2 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on changchun.marathon.org.cn/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Changchun Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in Changchun's urban core. Updated course maps are published at https://changchun.marathon.org.cn/ each year.
- When is the Changchun Marathon and how do I register?
- Changchun Marathon is typically held in May. Registration opens through https://changchun.marathon.org.cn/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Changchun Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Changchun Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Changchun Marathon pass?
- The course passes broad northeastern boulevards, parks, and the former auto-capital districts.
- What weather should runners expect at Changchun Marathon?
- Usually cool and dry with brisk spring air and manageable humidity.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
